Free Speech
Friday 7/23/10 at 7:30pm
Broad and Washington: 1125 S. Broad St. 19147

Last Friday night upwards of 40 people crammed their sweaty selves into a Victorian aged parsonage–home of Gloucester City’s own little intentional community.  It was a wonderful conglomeration of old friends, newly connecting ones, total strangers and a handful of high school students from Camden. Delightfully awkward conversations abounded as we awaited the arrival of the night’s guest: poet, Derrick Brown. He was set to share his poetry at 7:30 in conjunction with an out-of-school assignment from Camden teacher C.J. Reynolds and Haddon & Fern’s own Events Team.

Eight pm rolled around and neither C.J. nor Derrick Brown had arrived. At 8:15 we got a phone call explaining that C.J.’s car broke down in Staten Island, and that they were working on a way home. It would be at least 2 hours, but the majority of us decided it was worth sticking around for. The students had prepared poetry to open the show with, and we decided that they should just go ahead and share as we waited. Right as we finally assembled ourselves to listen, another phone call brought the tragic news that Derrick Brown was going to stay in Staten Island because he had a show in NYC the next day. We were already gathered. Poetry was still going to be shared. We decided to just go with it.

What ensued was probably better than if Derrick had shown up and spoken his own words. The poetry of C.J.’s students was remarkable. These kids were rappers and artists, and honest words rolled fluidly off their tongues. Though they self-admittedly felt the most out of place, they were the ones who boldly set the space for the rest of us to share. Kent Ellingson ran home to grab his guitar and sing a song he had written for Shalom House. The guitar was borrowed, originals were played and Neutral Milk Hotel was inevitably covered. As more people stood up, more people gained courage to do the same. The night ended with Jen Hulfish drawing on the energy of the night to speak words that led her closer to healing from the loss of a neighbor.

Sometimes open mic’s are horrendous. What was beautiful about this one was that it was so humbly grounded in the space we were all gathered. Some words were recycled, but many were written on the spot, drawing from the peculiarity of this gathering of people; Adam Malliet’s beard, the oldness of the house and the warmth and acceptance that was so apparent. Madeleine L’Engle describes these as ‘thin places’ of our reality that allow a few more drops of God’s presence to get through than usual. New life spoken with aged air from the ancient bits of matter comprising our lungs in an old house in an older town left us all drenched.

Circle Thrift Kid’s Story Time
Wednesdays, 10:30am, Circle Thrift Broad and Washington

Every Wednesday in July and August at 10:30am, bring your kids to Story Time! Parents can receive a few extra minutes to shop around. You will also receive a 25% off coupon when you bring your children. Stop by Circle Thrift Broad—1125 S. Broad St, in the basement.

AMPM
Sunday, July 11, 10am, Broad and Washington

Join us for the AMPM this Sunday, July 11 at Broad and Washington.

This is a public meeting designed with kids and families in mind. All are welcome! The theme of the meeting this week is “What do Paul and Hip Hop have in common? There will be stories, music, food and, of course, even some hip hop moves this time.

Rabbi Time
Monday, July 12, 8pm, Broad and Washington

We want to keep addressing the issues of the day and creating a response that fits the next generation of the church. Rabbi Time is a time to do this. Rod will choose a topic to begin with and discuss. You are also invited to bring your further questions to add to the dialogue. Please respond to howard.pinder@gmail.com if you plan on attending.

Beach Trip
Here are a few more details about the trip on July 17. Hope you can join us!
When: July 17
Where: Wildwood, NJ. We’re meeting at Glenwood Avenue and the Boardwalk (on the beach).
Why: Because it’s fun!
What to expect:

• Beaches are free! No beach tag required.
• Food: We’re not organizing/providing any food. You may want to gather some friends up for a picnic OR plan on purchasing food from the hundreds of vendors on the boardwalk. There are also lots of local pizza and hoagie shops off the boardwalk in the surrounding area.
• Bathrooms: There is bath house with restrooms on the boardwalk at Glenwood Ave. There are also port-o-potties every few blocks located on the boardwalk.
• Baptisms: A few of our friends will be getting baptized in the ocean at 4pm…come out and support!
• Activities: We’re not organizing any activities. We want to provide an organized gathering with opportunity for you to hang out with old friends and make some new ones!

last year's beach trip + baptisms.

BBQ!
On Sunday, a handful of heat-enduring and grill-loving friends set up shop on the sidewalk outside of 1125 S. Broad St. They grilled and handed out hot dogs, hamburgers, veggie burgers, sodas and snacks to passersby before and during the 5pm Public Meeting. It was a great night–we made some new friends and had a good time!

We didn't have any fireworks at our BBQ, but they lit up the Philadelphia sky later that evening.

Monthly Leadership training
Even with the holiday weekend in full swing, many showed up to the monthly leadership training that was held at Broad and Washington on Saturday. The topic was How to study the Bible. The next cell leader training is August 7^th at Frankford and Norris. All are welcome.

Monthly Leadership Training
Saturday, July 3, 9am, BW.

How to study the Bible. All are welcome.

Annual sidewalk BBQ!
Sunday, July 4, 4-5pm and 6:30-7pm, BW. Free!

Come out to 1125 S. Broad St. (Broad, between Washington and Ellsworth) to enjoy some grilled goods and the company of friends and neighbors!

It rained a lot a few years ago during our BBQ. Not this year! Sunny and hot, hot, hot!

Beach Trip
Saturday, July 17, Wildwood, NJ.

Be as cool as this cat and join us on our annual trip! More details coming soon.

Manor BIC Young Adults group visits
A group of 13 young adults from Manor Church in Lancaster, PA spent five days last week living in Philadelphia and working with Circle of Hope and the communities they are a part of.

The group volunteered at both Circle Thrift locations. They also worked closely with Jeremiah Alexander, who is a member of the Frankford and Norris congregation, in his work with refugees in Philadelphia.

The group also worshiped at the Frankford and Norris public meeting on Sunday. The group had a great time getting aquatinted with the city and with Circle of Hope.

Hive 2010—7 minute huddle
A group of attenders, mostly from the Frankford and Norris congregation, met on Sunday to listen and learn more about the next Church plant. Circle of Hope is looking to plant another congregation in the fall.

Baby Goods Exchange
Friends and neighbors got a chance to swap baby goods and clothes on Sunday at Frankford and Norris. Stay tuned for the location of the next baby goods exchange!

Baby Goods Exchange
Sunday, June 27, 10am-1pm, F&N. Free.

Come out, meet neighbors, swap baby clothes and toys.

Men’s PM
Sunday, June 27, 9pm, B&W.

A gathering for men after the 7pm Public Meeting.

Shalom House Peace Talk
Monday, June 28, 7pm, 401 S. 51^st St. (51^st and  Pine).

What do I believe about War? A Writers’ Workshop  on Conscientious Objection. For more information  call 215-474-1195 or visit Shalom House’s web site.

Monthly Leadership Training
Saturday, July 3, 9am, B&W.

How to study the Bible. All are welcome!

BBQ
Sunday, July 4, 4pm-5pm and 6:30-7pm, BW.

We will be grilling and serving snacks outside on our sidewalk before the 5pm Public Meeting and during the in-between time. Come join us and chat with our neighbors.

Beach Trip!
Saturday, July 17. Wildwood, NJ.

Save the date! We are trying out a new spot this year—Wildwood, NJ!

Circle Thrift Clothing Swap

Over 60 people turned out for Circle Thrift’s first-ever clothing swap on Saturday. The event was held from 2-5pm in the main worship space upstairs at the Broad and Washington congregation.

The room was decorated with funky posters; some were creative, some had inspiring messages of peace. There was a random, yet interesting collection of pictures showing on the projector and enough indie music to soothe any swapper’s soul.

There was also a huge table of snacks in the lobby, complete with an array of snacks and vegan treats.

More importantly, we had the chance to meet some new neighbors and welcome them into our space. The chance to mingle over plaid shirts, skinny jeans and hummus doesn’t happen every day. It was a delightful and refreshing way to use our space!

Click here to see more photos from the event on our Facebook page.

Shalom House—soon to be home to four peacemakers

Yesterday, Shalom House reported that it will have a new member join them this summer. Kristen Ridgeway will become the fourth member in the house.

Emily Kephart, who lives in the house, spoke about Kristen’s decision to accept the invitation from Shalom House.

“Kristen just graduated from Haverford College with a degree in Psychology.  She also has an interest in restorative justice and community organizing.  Kristen brings many talents and much enthusiasm to our community, and we are glad to have her!”

Shalom House provides community for committed peacemakers to spend at least two years deepening and applying their calling in Philadelphia and learning about and connecting to God’s worldwide community of peacebuilders. The house lives in peace, works in the community for peace daily, creates a network of peacemakers and includes Circle of Hope in it.

Shalom House has two more available rooms. Visit shalomhouse.us for more information on who they are and also how to apply, if interested.

More information on Kristen and her move coming soon!

Circle Thrift Clothing Swap!
Saturday, June 19, 2-5pm at Broad and Washington. $3
Looking for a new way to revive your wardrobe? Join us for our first-ever clothing swap! Trade in old favorites for upcycled gems and get a chance to meet new friends.

All men’s and women’s apparel/accessories that are in good and clean condition are welcome. Bring at least 5 items to swap. Event will also include vegan treats and more!

All unclaimed clothing will be donated to Circle Thrift. All proceeds from this event benefit Circle Thrift and the MCC. Check out the Circle Thrift Facebook invite here.

Baby Goods Exchange
Sunday, June 27, 10am-1pm, Frankford and Norris. Free.
Come out, meet neighbors, swap baby clothes and toys.

Beach Trip
Saturday, July 17, Wildwood, NJ (exact location TBD)
Just a heads up to keep this day open for some fun in the sun!

2009 COH beach trip

See Paul (and his journey) on our wall
On Sunday, 51 people gathered at Broad and Washington for the monthly network AMPM, a public meeting designed with kids and families in mind.

Courtney Jones recaps what happened on Sunday:

“We went on a journey with Paul and Silas, got thrown in jail, sang praises, had an earthquake, and introduced the jailer to Jesus.  We also learned to do the Fanga (a Nigerian dance) and ate trail mix as part of our journey!”

As part of the journey, the kids (with some help) created a huge map that shows all of the places Paul visited along the way. The map is now hanging up in our hallway for all to enjoy!

The AMPM happens every second Sunday at Broad and Washington at 10am. Join us next month!

Stakeholders met

Over 40 people from the Broad and Washington congregation turned out to Rod and Gwen’s backyard on Saturday night for a stakeholders meeting. Rod said he was encouraged and energized by the meeting and the peaceful, but intense discussion was amazing.

New song to sing along

Bryce led the Haddon and Fern congregation with a new song he had written, along with Kent and Lizz, based on psalm 30. Nate Hulfish said it was the first new song created by the congregation and he felt moved by it.

Why this pain? Why this pit?
You’ll hear no praises from the dust…
…while I am dust.

I will exalt you –
I will exalt you –
I will exalt you, O LORD

You turned my wailing into dancing
You gave me clothes to wear, and covered me with joy –
My heart will sing and sing and sing to you
O LORD my God, I will give thanks to you forever

Art Shop Garden Fest

Over 50 artists came together at Frankford and Norris on Friday and Saturday to selling their wears and homegrown warm weather crops. The first summer Art Shop was a big success!

Film Screening

On Thursday, Broad and Washington hosted a film screening of Soldiers of Conscience. Over 30 people turned out for the event. The film documented the lives of eight American soldiers, including four who decide not to kill and become conscientious objectors and four who believe in their duty to kill if necessary.